Stricken by so many injuries, Redknapp feared he may never play at Anfield again at one stage during his lay-off last season. But the way he's fought his way back is a triumph of personal endeavour.

There could be no-one more deserving of a slice of luck and a sustained period of success than the midfielder.

He still has a long way to go to prove he s capable of showing his best on a Premiership stage, but Redknapp couldn't have hoped for a more impressive start to his comeback.

Having helped Liverpool to victory against West Ham as a late substitute on Saturday, Redknapp was the driving force behind this comfortable victory for the Reds.

A wonderful goal and a man-of-the-match display helped give the 31,000 inside Anfield the result they wanted and expected.

Gerard Houllier was determined to preach caution and insist his side weren't yet in the Champions League before this tie. He can now relax and prepare to taste the rich delights of a competition Liverpool have missed for 16 years. Europe's premier competition has missed Liverpool too.

FC Haka were not opponents of great stature and this game served the same purpose as a pre-season friendly.

Houllier used the full depth of his squad. Michael Owen was given a well-earned rest, and Robbie Fowler returned to where he wants to be. Taking the applause on the pitch rather than in the stands.

Igor Biscan looked a different player in the centre of midfield, while Gregory Vignal and Bernard Diomede suggested they could be an exciting left-sided pairing if and when they are called upon.

Diomede truly is a new signing for the club. Rarely seen since arriving from Auxerre last summer, he has skill and guts. Like Redknapp, he could do with a sustained period of fitness because during 90 minutes he can provide delightful moments of trickery. Youngster Stephen Wright is one to watch too.

Before a ball was kicked, of course, all eyes and vocal chords were concentrating on just one player. It was inevitable Fowler would score. The match report could have been written before the game referring to a Fowler goal.

Just as the first leg, it took 35 minutes for the first to come, but when it did it arrived during a period where Liverpool were gradually tightening the noose.

Redknapp took a corner on the left, Diomede's volley was only partially saved by Andres Vilnrotter and Fowler was in his finest prowler pose to head the ball into an empty net.

No doubt the bookies lost plenty of bets on who d be first scorer.

That, we assumed, would open the floodgates and the Finns would be savaged. It didn't quite happen like that.

Thanks to some comical defending, Haka equalised just before half-time. Djimi Traore won t want to watch any replays. His poor attempt to sweep away danger fell invitingly to Peter Kovacs and he became only the second opposing player in 12 months to score a European away goal at Anfield.

Fortunately, this was the kind of game where mistakes could be made and not matter much.

Perhaps a sense of pride ensured Liverpool improved radically in the second half. Fittingly, it was Redknapp who restored the lead.

Diomede was again involved, crossing perfectly for his skipper to blast the ball into the top corner.

By the time Redknapp's delightful pass sent Heskey clear for the third, the cigars were out and The Kop was already dreaming of more memorable European nights later in the season.

Ex-Manchester United midfielder David Wilson obligingly added the fourth before cameos from Steven Gerrard and Jari Litmanen concluded the night s entertainment.

Diomedes spectacular volley could have seen Liverpool into double figures over both games, but a 9-1 aggregrate win suitably highlighted the gulf in lass.

This wasn't just a football match, it was a practice and fitness session for players in need of more competitive action.

By winning and reaching the group stages of the Champions League, Liverpool have delighted their players, supporters, shareholders and bank manager.

To supporters and players, of course, this competition means much more than money. But those extra pounds will be just as significant when Gerard Houllier plots the next stage of his grand plan for European domination.

The sixteen years in the wilderness Liverpool have endured since they last played in the European Cup have been traumatic and frustrating. The clubs absence symbolised their decline. Their renewed presence symbolises their resurrection.

Back in 1985, it would have been unthinkable Liverpool could wait so long to play for the famous trophy once more.

Now they re competing for it again and it should be welcomed like an old friend. European Cup football is back. Now it's official. It really is just like the old days at Anfield.